AN INNERLEITHEN housing complex has been awarded a national award, with developers describing the feat as a "fantastic achievement".

Phase one of the Caerlee Mill project has been awarded Small Development of the Year 2021 by Homes for Scotland.

The prize was given to the Peeblesshire scheme after entries from the past two years were judged after the 2020 awards were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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On the gong, managing director of the project Eve McCurrich said: “Winning Small Development of the Year 2021 is a fantastic achievement for both Whiteburn and Caerlee Mill.

“The development is the first project that Whiteburn has been responsible for the design, construction and sales process, and this industry recognition underpins the growth of our residential business.

“We have not only built an award-winning development, we have also created a team of dedicated staff, subcontractors, suppliers and funders.

“Most importantly, our homeowners have built Caerlee Mill into a wonderful community of neighbours and friends, and I believe this is testament to our design philosophy for the development.”

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Phase one has seen fifteen contemporary two, three and four-bedroom houses created, as well as cottage flats.

The Homes for Scotland judges stated: “Caerlee Mill was excellent in so many ways. The bespoke procurement model was a real pioneer for small-scale regeneration, using design and architecture to create a very strong character and local identity – building value in otherwise challenging circumstances.

“The tenacity in overcoming numerous obstacles and the strong partnership approach with new residents were also very impressive.”

The development was funded by a mix of private equity and debt finance from private funder, Merlin Finance.

It was also supported with funding support from the Scottish Government’s SME Liquidity Fund, according to a spokesperson.